Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons^™

The Solar Connection -- Promise Or Peril?, Paul S. Strong

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

During the past decade important progress has been made in understanding the sun-earth environmental system. Modern observations of solar activity document changes in solar output over time scales ranging from seconds to decades, and evidence for longer term variations have been found in historical records. It follows that the sun cannot be considered to be a totally non-variable energy source. Continued research progress into solar-terrestrial interactions will hopefully provide an understanding of sun-weather/climate relationships resulting in energy conservation through more efficient energy utilization of our planet's atmospheric energy system.

Commercially Available Vacuum Tube Solar Collectors, Stanley J. Ring

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Efficiencies on the order of 50 percent with high differential temperature (150° C) have been advertised with the current distribution of commercially available evacuated tube collectors. Product specifications and, where possible, experimental data have been gathered and presented. The paper also develops a mathematical model for evaluation of these collectors. Results conclude that, although performance is high, collector expense limits the cost effectiveness to necessary high-temperature, high-volume applications. These include both residential cooling and industrial processing.

Computer Modeling Of A Solar Hot Water Collector System, Michael F. Bregar, William E. Stewart Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Computer modeling of a solar collector system can facilitate the selection of design paths and produce the optimal orientation and layout of the system for its intended location and seasonal usage patterns. Application of economic criteria to modeling also enables the analysis of alternate designs in terms of their installed and operating costs, as well as allowing calculation of payback periods for the various system configurations.

This program was intended to aid in the design of solar hot water collector systems. Design parameters of the system are used as inputs to the program. System configuration and design can then be …

To Light Or Not To Light? -- That Is The Energy Question, J. Byron Nelson, Burns E. Hegler

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The controversy over lighting levels has existed for some time. Interest in methods of lighting has been heightened by the energy crisis. It has been estimated that lighting consumes approximately five percent of the nation's energy, therefore lighting is a relatively small energy user when compared to transportation and industrial processes which consume the bulk of the nation's energy. However, any saving that will make a contribution to the energy crisis should be considered. Consequently, this paper shows how energy for lighting may be reduced without sacrificing the present quality of lighting and in some cases, actually improve the lighting …

An Analysis Of Investments In Residential Energy Conservation In Southeast Missouri, Ralph Gunderson

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This study examines the economic feasibility of residential solar heating. Climatic and economic variables used in this report represent those of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. An annual cost model is used to determine the conditions under which solar heating achieves a reduced annual cost of heating relative to gas and electric heating systems.

Combining Solar Heating With A Wood Burning Furnace, Kenneth Bechtold, William E. Stewart Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The objective is to minimize the use of high-cost heating fuels in rural areas with the assistance of a wood burning furnace and a solar collector.

It was discovered that when the output of a wood burning furnace can be diverted into a solar storage battery, more useful heat can be supplied to a house with little extra inconvenience to the homeowner. The total amortized system of the wood burning furnace combined with the solar system will be less than if the systems were operated independently.

Energy Evaluation And Component Characterization Data In A Residential Solar Monitoring Program, Gene E. Kouba, William P. Moran, Bruce V. Ketcham

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The initial phase of performance analysis, data acquisition system development and short term component characterization of a two year residential solar energy monitoring program are presented. The purpose of the monitoring program is to accumulate both short and long term performance data which would be useful in optimizing system operation, determining possible improvements to the system configuration, validating simulation methods for predicting performance, and estimating the economics of the system.

A Solar-Cooling Pool Assisted Heat Pump System, Walter J. Schaetzle

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A swimming pool is used in parallel with a water-source heat pump for both cooling and heating. For cooling, the pool is used as a spray pond (cooling tower); and for heating, the pool is used as a solar collector, and thermal energy storage. Both theoretical studies and experimental work have been done on this system. A full scale system is almost complete and has been used during the summer for cooling. Economically, on both an operating basis and a capital basis, the system appears feasible.

An Architectural Application For Fchart (Solar Feasibility In The Midwest), Rodney Wright, Larry Dieckmann

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Examination of climatic conditions in the twelve Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin reveals that this region receives from 50% to 70% of the possible annual total hours of sunshine.

Degree day heating requirements range from 4,000DD to over 10,000DD per year. In the northern tier of states, some areas require heat at some time in each month.

The FCHART Method for Solar Heating Design, developed at the Solar Energy Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, is a method for making a computer study of solar capability for …

Principles Of Design Of A Solar Heated House, Alex Stefanovic, Chaman Kashkari

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper explains the principles of design of a solar heating system for a house in Akron, Ohio area. The house is a standard one family, two story house, such as Ryan Home's Brockington model. It has, approximately, 2,000 square feet of living area, a full basement, and an attached two car garage. The solar heating system is designed to provide as much of the heating needs as is economically feasible.

An Analysis Of Solar Heating Costs In Arkansas Broiler Houses, Ralph Gunderson, J. Martin Redfern

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This study is based on the computer simulation model of a solar heated broiler house in four locations in Arkansas. This simulation model estimated the annual energy savings in each broiler house due to the installation of a solar heating system. This paper uses present value analysis to estimate the life cycle costs of heating conventional and solar heated broiler houses in the state of Arkansas. From these calculations, the number of years required to achieve a break-even cost of heating is estimated.

Design And Operational Characteristics Of A Retrofit Solar Heating System, D. J. Wetteroff, Bassem F. Armaly

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The construction and the operation of a retrofit solar assisted space heating system are described. Performance characteristics of each component were measured and used to estimate the contribution of solar energy to the yearly space heating energy requirements.

The National Solar Heating And Cooling Information Center, Jeremy A. Lifsey, Sanford Zane Meschkow

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The Center is an information service funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a program to foster the use of solar energy in domestic hot water systems and the heating and cooling of buildings. The Center answers questions by mail and over toll-free hot lines, operates a mobile exhibit van and several exhibits that appear at conferences and trade shows, and distributes HUD and DOE publications on solar energy. Users can request lists of addresses of solar design and construction professionals, manufacturers, distributors, banks that have given solar …

5th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This volume is a collection of refereed papers presented at the Fifth Annual UMR-DNR Conference on Energy held at the University of Missouri--Rolla on the dates of October 10 - 12, 1978.

Guided by the President's goal of energy independence by 1980, the UMR-DNR Conference on Energy organized in 1974 with the purpose of providing social scientists, scientists and engineers a means for rapid communication of their most recent research results in the field of energy and to offer solutions to the energy related problems of local government, business, industry and the general public. Since that time, there has been …

Testing Of Solar Collectors By A Standard Method, Harry J. Sauer Jr., Bassem F. Armaly

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A description of the recently adopted standard for testing solar collectors "ASHRAE STANDARD 93-77, METHOD OF TESTING SOLAR COLLECTORS BASED ON THERMAL PERFORMANCE" is presented. Results from the standard could be used to simulate the transient performance of an installed solar system.

The National Solar Energy Research Institute: Function, Organization, And The First Six Months, Dennis R. Costello

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The role of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in the national solar program is discussed. A brief history of developments leading to the formation of SERI is included. Functional responsibilities, organization and the current plans for staff and facilities growth are addressed.

Design Optimization For Solar Array Of Multiple Collector Types, Jerry O. Bradley, David Posner, C. E. Bingham

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Methodology is presented for optimizing solar arrays used for heating fluids from ambient to elevated temperatures. The optimal array consists of the appropriate combination of available collector types which delivers the most energy per dollar invested in the array. An example optimization is presented and verified using computer simulation of numerous combinations of collector types.

Current State-Of-The-Art Of Electrochemical Batteries From A Users Point Of View, John G. Wolter, John A. Gilbert, James V. Leonard

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper will present a description of some of the battery types (couples) on the market, energy densities, and recycle lives. The possibility that some of these could be used in the transportation industry will be explored. Speculation of future battery development will be discussed.

Life Cycle Costing Of Energy Systems, William R. Baker

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Determination of true costs of ownership and the proper evaluation of savings are extremely important with regard to the purchase of energy efficient systems. It is the purpose of the following paper to discuss the application of the life cycle costing process as applied to the evaluation of capital expenditures.

Assessing Environmental Costs Of Energy Procurement, Ronald G. Alderfer

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper describes an ecological approach to the assessment of environmental impact and associated costs of all major phases of energy procurement. The approach is based on identification of services performed and benefits offered by natural and man-modified ecosystems and requires that energy procurement activities be analyzed in terms of their impact on these services and benefits. A thorough cost assessment (including quantitative and qualitative factors) of alternate energy plans will aid both the selection of the most desirable alternate and the reduction of unforeseen costs and problems during and after construction .

Regulatory Effectiveness In The Electric Utility Industry: An Empirical Analysis, Michael A. Zimmer

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

An established result in the theory of the regulated firm is that an effective rate-of-return constraint induces the firm to employ larger proportions of capital inputs to noncapital inputs than would be the case in the absence of the regulatory constraint. This overcapitalization, often referred to as the Averch-Johnson effect, has been the subject of several recent empirical studies of the electric utility industry. The present study adds to this body of literature. It seeks to test for the effectiveness of utility regulation in the context of a cost minimization model which includes the allowed rate of return as an …

Barriers And Incentives To The Commercialization Of Solar Heating And Cooling Of Buildings, Dennis R. Costello, David M. Posner

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper reviews potential barriers to the widespread use of solar heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings. Although solar systems have been technologically proven and are used to a limited extent today, economic, institutional, and legal barriers may slow future commercialization. Consideration of incentives which might reduce these barriers raises the question of how to evaluate alternative policy question options.

A Solar Energy System For Space Heating And Space Cooling, Thomas J. Mcnamara

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

To help reduce natural gas and electrical operating costs, a retrofit space heating and space cooling solar energy system is integrated into the existing conventional heating and air handling systems serving the exhibit spaces. This installation would not only provide substantial energy cost savings to the Museum, but it would also provide a means of showing and explaining the operation of an actual working solar energy system to the large number of daily visitors to the Museum. This report explains the design, operation and performance of this solar energy system.

Emerson Electric -- Application And Results Of An Electric Energy Audit, Bruce E. Jacobs, Yildirim Omurtag

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The objective of the study was to examine the electrical usage of an Emerson division located in the Northeast, provide a method of managing the usage and make recommendations for conservation. Both past and present usage were examined in an attempt to determine if potential savings might be realized by a reduction in energy and peak demand. Discussion will include an electrical energy tracking mechanism, ratios and indicators, use of rate consultants, state sales tax exemption clauses, and sample calculations of cost improvements on demand charges.

Economic Optimization Of Heatpump Assisted Solar Heating In Illinois, Ali Shams, Edward A. Mass

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This study undertakes the task of determing the optimal mix of solar and heat pump forms of heating. By installing a solar heating system a homeowner is considered to be an energy producer and thus to apply the least cost methods used by firms in the competitive market for any given level of fuel conservation. The study will examine the simulated performances of air and liquid circulating systems in conjunction with heat pumps, in parallel as well as combined fashion. Optimization is achieved by equating the present value of the cost of solar and heat pump heating systems at margin.

Consumers’ Attitude Toward Energy Conservation In A Middle-Size City, Mangi Agarwal, Dan Johnson

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This study explores the attitude of household consumers toward conservation in their electrical usage. It examines whether a time-of-day pricing structure will influence their response to shifting their electrical usage from peak to non-peak hours. It also attempts to measure their perceived elasticity of electricity consumption.

Heat Pumps Without Supplemental Heat, Carl W. Glaser

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Through the past few years, fuel used to generate electricity has climbed steadily in cost resulting in a new and much higher level of acceptance for the air to air heat pump system. Manufacturers have improved the product tremendously and have established a level of reliability approaching that of the conventional air conditioner. The fact that heat pumps reduce the cost of heating by 30% to 50% over conventional electric resistance heating and that natural gas is not available in many parts of the country has resulted in more and more heat pumps being installed in homes. While the benefits …

Development Of Industrial Owned, Small Hydroelectric Facilities, John S. Krikorian Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A methodology is discussed for determining the economic feasibility of reclaiming industrial owned, small hydroelectric facilities. A cash flow computer model provides the means for coping with many of the diverse inputs that occur at different sites. A detailed case study is presented. Some institutional factors that aid or hinder development are discussed.

Attainability And Nonattainability Under Anti-Pollution Laws, J. David Reed, John H. Hoag

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The central issue with which this paper deals is the effectiveness of alternative air pollution control standards presently in use in the United States. More specifically, an analysis and comparison of effluent air standards versus ambient air standards will be performed. The question of effectiveness will be in the context of how well the alternative pollution control measures achieve society's expectations as goals when the standards are imposed. Society's views are assumed to be reflected through a regional (state) planner. The analysis is performed through the use of optimal control techniques. Initially the effluent air standards model will be examined. …

The Energy Needs Of The Developing Countries, Vaman Rao

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The energy needs of the developing countries are enormous. They will grow with the passage of time as the pace of economic development accelerates and those countries enter the industrial epoch. The sheer physical non-availability of coal and petroleum to most of them makes it obligatory to choose an unconventional resource as an energy-base. The nuclear fission is the only option now available which is feasible, less-expensive and plentiful. Solar and fusion may be the ultimate sources in the steady state, when appropriate technologies are developed.